Ghosts, Gatehouses, and Gritstone Walls
Summer is here, and that means road trip season—open windows, packed flasks, and countryside views. But if you’re someone who enjoys a side of spectral activity with your sightseeing, this list is for you.
Britain is dotted with castles that aren’t just steeped in history, but still echo with the presence of their former residents. These haunted castles are perfect for a summer adventure—whether you’re seeking a thrill, a chill, or a medieval ghostly encounter.
Pack your snacks, charge your camera, and let’s explore five haunted castles you can actually visit (and maybe even stay overnight in) this summer.
🕯️ 1. Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon
The ghost of a tragic love triangle
Hidden in a wooded valley and often missed by tourists, Berry Pomeroy is one of the most famously haunted castles in England.
Ghostly highlights:
- The White Lady, believed to be Margaret Pomeroy, who was starved to death by her jealous sister.
- The Blue Lady, who haunts the tower and lures visitors to dangerous heights.
Open to the public and maintained by English Heritage, this spot is great for a sunny picnic with a dark twist.
đź‘‘ 2. Glamis Castle, Scotland
Royal secrets and ghostly chambers
Glamis is the ancestral home of the Queen Mother—and the source of centuries of eerie tales.
Ghostly highlights:
- The Grey Lady of Glamis, thought to be Lady Janet Douglas, burned for witchcraft.
- The Monster of Glamis, a secret kept locked away in the hidden rooms of the castle.
- Phantom gamblers heard rolling dice in sealed-off parts of the building.
Open for tours and surrounded by beautiful gardens, Glamis is a must-visit for fans of both hauntings and history.
⚔️ 3. Chillingham Castle, Northumberland
The UK’s most haunted castle
With a torture chamber, dungeon, and walls that seem to breathe with centuries of pain, Chillingham is not for the faint-hearted.
Ghostly highlights:
- The Blue Boy, who appears in the Pink Room, often accompanied by a loud wail.
- The ghost of Lady Mary Berkeley, forever waiting for her unfaithful husband to return.
- Disembodied voices, cold spots, and spectral touches are common reports.
You can book a ghost tour or even stay overnight if you’re brave enough. It’s a perfect addition to a summer gothic getaway.
🧛 4. Craig y Nos Castle, Wales
Opera, echoes, and a lady in black
Once the home of opera star Adelina Patti, Craig y Nos Castle is nestled in the Brecon Beacons and is now a hotel with a haunting reputation.
Ghostly highlights:
- Apparitions in the theatre, especially during performances.
- The Lady in Black, believed to be Patti herself.
- Unexplained piano music drifting through empty rooms.
Stay overnight and take a guided ghost walk—it’s a lesser-known gem in Welsh ghost tourism.
🏰 5. Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales
Victorian spires and Victorian spirits
Now an events space and former museum, Bodelwyddan is famous for its hauntings and haunted gallery.
Ghostly highlights:
- The woman in a Victorian dress, spotted repeatedly in the art gallery.
- Footsteps, whispers, and tapping in empty corridors.
- Sudden cold spots that send goosebumps up your spine.
It’s surrounded by parkland and not far from the North Wales coast—perfect for a spooky detour on a seaside road trip.
đźš— Haunted Road Trip Tips
- Travel during twilight for the most atmospheric photos.
- Bring a field journal or audio recorder to document any strange experiences.
- Pack protective charms like iron, salt, or a rowan sprig—just in case.
- Be respectful of the sites. Ghosts may be more active with visitors who acknowledge them.
🧠Want to Know More?
- Download our free Haunted Road Trip Map (coming soon!)
- Browse the Haunted Wishes shop for castle-inspired charms, stickers, and travel journals
- Coming up on June 19: “Haunted Rivers and Lakes of the UK”—don’t miss it!
✨ History doesn’t always stay in the past—and in these castles, some guests never check out.